Elephant Butte Lake State Park

boat towing inflatable tubes at elephant butte lake

New Mexico’s largest body of water, Elephant Butte Lake is a fisherman’s paradise known for record-breaking black, white, and striped bass, as well as crappie and bluegill.

The lake offers miles of trails, sandy beaches, and magnificent views along its 43-mile length. Admission / park fees are $5 per car for New Mexico residents, $10 per car for out-of-state visitors. Walk or bike in for free! Annual day use park passes (good at any state park in NM) are $75 for residents, $150 for non-residents. See the complete fee schedule here.

elephant butte lake state park map
balloons rising over the shores of elephant butte lake

About Elephant Butte Lake

Azariah fishing at elephant butte lake state park.
Photo of Azariah fishing at Elephant Butte Lake courtesy of fishing guide Frank Vilorio

Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses 40,000 acres. Camp sites for tents and RVs are available. A Visitor Center is located near the main gate.

The lake is abuzz in the summer, especially on the three big holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Jet skis, powerboats and pontoons are popular forms of transportation out on the water, while many swimmers cool off along the shorelines.

In cooler months the lake provides a serene setting for sail boats, paddleboards or kayaking. Birds of all kinds can be seen at the lake, especially during migration season. Boating, camping and hikes on the walking trails or strolls on the sandy beach are available year-round.

There are two marinas to serve boaters.

The Damsite Recreation Area, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s, has been designated a Historic District. The site retains the flavor of the lake’s historic past and includes cabins, an RV park, rock-lined paths, and the charming Dam Site Lodge, housed in the old Administration Building dating from 1911 and the dam-building days.

YouTube video

Marinas / Boat Rentals

Read State Parks Boating Rules Here

Dam Site Marina

55 Damsite Road, Elephant Butte

kayaks, standup paddleboards

Dam Site Marina

Marina del Sur

State park main entrance, Elephant Butte

boats, kayaks, standup paddleboards, tubes

Marina del Sur

Elephant Butte Bait & Fishing Supplies

Butte General Store & Marine

900 NM Highway 195, Elephant Butte

bait, fishing supplies, fuel, snacks, watercraft sales

Butte General Store & Marine

Dam Site Marina

55 Damsite Road, Elephant Butte

accessories, bait, candy, fishing supplies, snacks, t-shirts

Dam Site Marina

Marina del Sur

State park main entrance, Elephant Butte

bait, fishing supplies, sporting goods, watercraft rentals

Marina del Sur

Pat’s

1006 Highway 195, Elephant Butte

bottled beer, bottled wine, fishing supplies, fuel, groceries, packaged liquor, sporting goods

Pat’s

Zia Kayak Outfitters

310 Rock Canyon Road, Elephant Butte

fishing supplies, sporting goods, watercraft sales

Zia Kayak Outfitters

Maps

Elephant Butte Lake State Park main gate

Elephant Butte Dam overlook

Elephant Butte Lake Events

Here are just a few of the events you can attend at the lake. Details are subject to change, always check websites or social media for up-to-date info.